TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday reported a new imported case of measles involving a man in his 30s from central Taiwan who recently traveled to Japan.
The patient returned to Taiwan in early April and developed symptoms, including a fever and cough, on April 16, seeking medical care multiple times. After developing a rash on April 20, he was tested and confirmed positive for measles.
Health authorities have identified 274 close contacts, who will be monitored through May 12, per a press release.
The CDC said Taiwan has recorded nine measles cases so far this year, with patients ranging in age from under 1 to in their 50s. Of these, two were locally transmitted, while seven were imported from Vietnam, Malaysia, the US, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Japan.
The agency said measles outbreaks continue globally, particularly in parts of Asia, including Japan, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan. Japan has reported 299 cases as of April 15, with most concentrated in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Kagoshima, Aichi, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures.
In the Americas, Mexico has reported more than 10,000 cases this year, Guatemala over 3,500, and the US more than 1,700. The United Kingdom has reported over 400 cases, according to the CDC.
Taiwan has issued a Level 2 (alert) travel notice for 11 countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Guatemala, Mexico, Vietnam, and India, advising travelers to take enhanced precautions. Another 34 countries, including Japan, Malaysia, the US, and the UK, are under a Level 1 (watch), urging general preventive measures, per the press release.
The CDC said measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air, emphasizing that vaccination remains the most effective form of prevention. It advised parents to ensure children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on schedule.
Adults born in 1966 or later who plan to travel to measles-endemic areas are advised to consult a doctor at least two to four weeks before departure about receiving an MMR vaccine at their own expense.
Pregnant women and infants under 1 year old are considered high-risk and should avoid traveling to affected areas. Infants aged 6 months to under 1 year may receive one dose of the MMR vaccine after consulting a healthcare provider.
The CDC also urged travelers to maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and wearing masks when necessary.
Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, rash, runny nose, cough, or conjunctivitis within three weeks of returning from affected areas should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and inform doctors of their travel history.
Those identified as contacts of confirmed cases are required to follow health monitoring guidelines. Individuals who develop symptoms should self-isolate and contact local health authorities for medical arrangements rather than seeking care independently.
The CDC warned that failure to comply with self-health management regulations may result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 (US$1,900) to NT$300,000 under the Communicable Disease Control Act.
Doctors were also urged to remain vigilant, as early symptoms of measles can be nonspecific and cases in vaccinated individuals may present atypically.
